What does it really mean to join the Jewish people?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Brent Spodek explore the themes of Shavuot through the lens of Megillat Ruth and Jewish conversion. They examine what it means to join the Jewish people—not just through ritual or belief, but through commitment to community, chesed, and a life of purpose.

Featuring

Rabbi Brent Spodek – Pardes North American Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Can ancient agricultural laws inspire modern spiritual renewal?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore the radical social and spiritual vision behind Parshat Behar-Behukotai. From Shemitah to Yovel, they unpack how the Torah’s sabbatical and Jubilee laws challenge us to reimagine ownership, economic inequality, and time itself.

Featuring

Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Pardes Faculty and Rosh Beit Midrash

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Why are the kohanim held to a higher standard of holiness?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg explore Parshat Emor through the lens of the priestly role as a model for a future redeemed world. Drawing on Greenberg’s vision of covenantal responsibility and his recent book The Triumph of Life, they discuss how the kohanim serve as symbols of life, integrity, and human dignity.

Featuring

Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg – Senior Scholar, Hadar Institute

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

What does it mean to carry sin as a burden?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris delve into Parshat Acharei Mot and its detailed description of the Yom Kippur ritual, focusing on the symbolism of the scapegoat. They explore how sin is portrayed as a burden we carry—and how the Torah’s use of transference offers both psychological and spiritual models for letting go.

Featuring

Rabbi Leon Morris – President of Pardes Institute

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

How do life’s transitions invite spiritual renewal?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore the cycles of tumah (impurity) and taharah (purity) in Tazria-Metzora. They discuss how life experiences like birth, intimacy, and death naturally create distance—and how Torah invites us to return with renewal and deeper connection, both with God and with each other.

Featuring

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Can legacy and memory transform the pain of loss into purpose?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash reflect on the tragedy of Nadav and Avihu in Parshat Shemini, exploring how the loss of Aaron’s sons on the Mishkan’s inaugural day challenges our assumptions about divine justice, holiness, and grief.

Featuring

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

What does Pesach teach us about freedom, growth, and responsibility?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg for a special conversation on Parshat Tzav, the sacrificial system, and the deeper messages of Pesach. They explore how Judaism's vision of life, covenant, and moral progress plays out through laws like kashrut and the evolution of sacrifice. Drawing from Rabbi Greenberg’s new book The Triumph of Life, they examine how Torah guides us toward a future where life, dignity, and ethical living prevail.

Featuring

Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg – Senior Fellow, Hadar Institute

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

What can the cycle of giving teach us about our relationship with the Divine?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Leon Morris to explore the opening of Sefer Vayikra (Leviticus) and the relevance of the ancient sacrificial system for modern Jewish life. Together, they delve into the idea of korbanot (sacrifices) as a form of gift-giving to God, examining themes of gratitude, relationship, and community. Their discussion offers timely reflections as we prepare for the upcoming book of Vayikra.

FeaturingRabbi Leon Morris – President, PardesZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Why does the Torah spend so much time repeating the Mishkan’s details?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Parshat Pekudei and its surprising focus on repetition and detail. They unpack the final verses of Sefer Shemot, showing that Torah isn’t just divine instruction but a living, doable path woven into daily life.

Featuring:

Rabbi Rafael Polisuk – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

How do we create a Jewish community that honors different perspectives?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom explore Parshat Vayakhel and its vision of community. They discuss how Moshe transforms Bnei Yisrael from a fragmented group into a unified Kehilah through the shared mission of building the Mishkan. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, they examine the tension between pluralism and ideological divides—both in the Torah and in today's Jewish world—and ask what it takes to build a true, inclusive community.

Featuring

Ilana Gleicher-Bloom – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem